Research from Rystad Energy projects substantial growth in water consumption by data centers over the coming years as computing capacity expands to support artificial intelligence applications. In the absence of conservation measures, global data center water use could reach 644 billion liters per year by 2030, compared to 222 billion liters in 2025. However, the outlook varies considerably based on implementation of efficiency measures, with moderate conservation efforts potentially limiting consumption to 543 billion liters and aggressive water-saving technologies reducing it to 388 billion liters annually.
Water consumption at data centers varies significantly depending on cooling technology, geographic location, and how usage is measured. Facilities rely primarily on water to dissipate heat from computing equipment, though emerging technologies such as rack-level liquid cooling and dry cooling systems can substantially reduce water requirements. The effectiveness of these approaches depends heavily on climate conditions, with dry cooling proving more viable in colder regions. Additionally, the water footprint extends beyond direct on-site consumption to include water required for electricity generation, which can be material depending on the energy supply’s water intensity.
Data center operators currently employ widely different efficiency standards. Industry measurements of water-use effectiveness reveal substantial variation, with AWS reporting 0.12 liters per kilowatt-hour in 2025, while other operators reported figures ranging from 0.19 to 0.91 liters per kilowatt-hour. Regional differences within single operators are pronounced, with AWS regional figures spanning from 0.02 liters per kilowatt-hour in Stockholm to 2.85 liters per kilowatt-hour in Jakarta, illustrating the influence of geography and cooling architecture.
Major technology companies including AWS, Google, Microsoft, and Meta have committed to water sustainability targets, pledging to become water positive by 2030 through restoration and efficiency projects. Regulatory frameworks are beginning to emerge globally, with the European Union planning an efficiency package including labeling systems, while Singapore has established targets of less than 2 liters per kilowatt-hour. Regulatory approaches in the United States remain fragmented by state, with Texas recently implementing a moratorium on new data center approvals pending reviews of associated water usage and other resource impacts.
Regions already experiencing water stress face particular concerns, as areas with high water availability constraints are projected to account for 34 percent of global data center water consumption by 2030. Implementing the most water-efficient cooling technologies in stressed regions could reduce consumption by 45 percent, demonstrating the potential impact of technology standards. Particularly exposed areas include locations in India and Texas, where data center water demand is elevated relative to available local water resources.
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